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East Africa

🇹🇿 Vaccines for Tanzania

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Tanzania

Tanzania requires Yellow Fever proof if arriving from an endemic country, and malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country, including Zanzibar — a common misconception is that Zanzibar's island, beach-resort character means lower malaria risk, but this isn't the case. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Rabies is worth considering for safari trips given wildlife and rural dog exposure. Kilimanjaro climbs add altitude sickness as a major consideration, separate from the general malaria and vaccination picture for Tanzania. Healthcare in Arusha (the main gateway for safaris and Kilimanjaro) and Dar es Salaam is reasonable; safari lodges typically have arrangements for evacuation if needed; Zanzibar has facilities adequate for routine tourist issues.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal exposure risk — safari and rural areas.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (high risk throughout, including Zanzibar)
  • ⚠Yellow Fever
  • ⚠Cholera (periodic outbreaks)
  • ⚠Plague (rare)
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis essential throughout including Zanzibar. Rabies pre-exposure for wildlife/safari activities.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
KenyaUgandaRwandaMozambique
Common questions
Do I need malaria tablets for Tanzania?
Yes, essential for any visit, including safari areas and Zanzibar. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout Tanzania with no low-risk areas — this should not be treated as optional regardless of itinerary.
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Tanzania?
Required if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country or transiting through one. For direct travel from many non-endemic countries, this may not be a strict requirement, but check based on your specific routing, including any connecting flights through endemic countries.
Is Zanzibar malaria-free?
No — this is a common misconception. Despite Zanzibar's beach-resort character, malaria is endemic there at the same level as mainland Tanzania. Antimalarial medication is just as essential for a Zanzibar beach holiday as for a mainland safari.
What vaccines do I need for Kilimanjaro?
The general Tanzania recommendations apply (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, malaria prophylaxis, Yellow Fever depending on routing). The dominant health consideration specific to Kilimanjaro, however, is altitude sickness, given the summit sits above 5800m — this is separate from vaccination and requires proper acclimatisation planning, often built into the multi-day climb itineraries, alongside discussing altitude medication with a travel clinic beforehand.